Holiday in La Gomera

About La Gomera

La Gomera is the most mystical of the Canary Islands — a densely forested natural paradise with the UNESCO World Heritage Garajonay National Park at its center. The ancient laurel forests, which have existed since the Tertiary period, shroud the mountains in mist and create an atmosphere from another time. The island has no beaches in the classical sense, but it possesses a wildness that magnetically attracts hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking tranquility. The Garajonay National Park covers one-tenth of the island and is home to the best-preserved laurel forest (Laurisilva) in the world — a relic from the Tertiary period when such forests covered much of Southern Europe. The hiking trails lead through moss-covered tree tunnels, past giant ferns, and through misty forests of overwhelming beauty. La Gomera is also home to the Silbo Gomero, a unique whistled language that communicates across deep valleys and is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. The island is of volcanic origin and is crisscrossed by deep barrancos (gorges) that radiate from the central high plateau to the sea. Valle Gran Rey on the west coast is the main town with small beaches and a relaxed, alternative lifestyle — many dropouts and artists live here. San Sebastián de la Gomera, the island's capital, was Christopher Columbus's last stop before crossing to America in 1492. La Gomera can be reached by ferry from Tenerife in about an hour.